Bug Bows

So, I need some help. I am trying out this little craft. I found a tutorial to make Bug Bows online, here. They are really cute and Maryn loves them. It's pretty easy to make the bugs, I'm just having a problem with the clip they are attached to. I've tried alligator clips covered in ribbon, using hot glue, but they seem bulky, don't stay in very well, and the hot glue makes a mess. So, I tried the flippy clips (used for the bugs shown in the picture). I covered those with a piece of felt, using hot glue. I liked how they looked and they work really well in Maryn's fine hair, but after a day in "Maryn the Warrior's" hair, the felt come unglued from the clip. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any glue recommendations? Alternative clips or ways to cover them?

Maryn

Maryn is a funny kid. She loves to laugh, and enjoys making others laugh, too. In three words I would describe her as: Silly, shy, and stubborn. Hmm. They all start with s. The other day we were playing and we thought this was pretty funny:
That is a tutu around her head, and she is a lion. (if you couldn't figure it out) Maryn has gotten to that phase in childhood where she is very curious. She hasn't busted out any publicly embarrassing questions, yet. She's more into the serious points about life. The two big questions these days are: Am I going to die? (any suggestions on how to put this one to rest?) and, Will it melt? She asks me if the most random things will melt. Crackers, toys, pickles.
Ha ha! Could you imagine what a melted pickle would look like?

An Exciting Spring Day

The past few days here in KY have been very beautiful. I'm so excited that Spring is here. It seems like it came overnight...either that, or I am not very observant. I just noticed that all of the Spring blooms are out. The forsythia and magnolias are always a welcome sight.

From our backyard

My friend, Sarah, called me up this morning to see if we wanted to go to the park. We called a few more people and headed out to Cherokee Park. At about 1 o'clock, we're starting to pack things up, the kids are flying a kit, and we're just kind of relaxing in a field next to the playground. Suddenly, Sarah and I notice three boys standing at the edge of the field, looking into the woods. About 5 feet from where they are standing, the dead brush is smoking, a lot.

"Fire," they start saying. Not yelling. Just saying it. Kind of to each other, like they don't know what to do. Sarah and I are the closest adults, so we starting walking over. Two boys run away, the other stays and says "Fire" a little bit louder to us. "Is it really a fire?" Sarah asks the boy. He nods, and we see flames shoot up. Fortunately I had my water bottle and a small thermos. Sarah grabs them while I stay with the kids. Another lady comes over and yells to call the fire department. I am the only one nearby. And, yes, the number to call is 911. While I am on the phone with the 911 operator, everyone starts running over with their water bottles, pouring water on the flames. The operator gets the information: my name, number, where we are, etc. Just as we are done, someone yells, "Its out!" Now I feel dumb, talking to a 911 operator about a small fire at the park, that is now out. They will send a truck over, just in case.

Wow, I have never had to call 911, and hope I never have to again. However, Sarah was able to fulfill her life long dream of being a forest firefighter. And, three boys learned a lesson that:

Smoke grenade + dead leaves = Fire

If You Can't FInd It, Make It Yourself!

I have searched high and low for something cute to put into Ailee's hair. She has enough hair to make for some serious bed head, but not enough to pull up or into clips. Every store I went in to, I would check out their baby head band collection, only to be disappointed that everything has big icky bows and/or lace. Finally, I decided to do some internet research and make my own. I found this tutorial, and altered it for a baby's head, making the width smaller (2") and using only 1/4" elastic so it wasn't so bulky (which was a little tricky to figure out how to cover it in fabric...but once I got it, it was a breeze). Hobby Lobby (I heart Hobby Lobby) had a bunch of cute fabrics, so I bought a fourth of a yard of each...which will make several headbands. Here's my little model, showing off one of my favorites:

Awesome GNO

Ok, it's been over a week, and I have neglected to post about our latest Girls' Night. This was actually a Girls' Overnight, and it was pretty stinkin' fun. My friend, Sarah, has a great mother-in-law, who owns a cabin in beautiful Red River Gorge. She let us use it for our escape. We loaded up our cars on Friday evening as soon as all of our hubbies got home to take over the child corralling. We drove about 2 hours to the cabin, AKA "Lover's Landing" (very romantic...) which was in a great spot, and was so nice! The evening was spent playing games:

(The best picture of the night--Janelle licking Brinn's toe.)

And soaking up the bacteria in the scalding hot tub:(What a bunch of HOT MAMAS!!)

The next morning, we had one of the best breakfasts I think I have ever had (probably because it didn't include Cheerios or frozen waffles) to start the day. A few of the gals had to head home, but we got a picture of the group before they ran off.

Back: Collette, Me (with my eyes closed), Melissa, Sarah, Erin, Waveney, and Amber

Front: Janelle (no diseases, yet from licking the toe) and Brinn

Our first hike was up to Natural Bridge. The last time I hiked this was many, many years ago, when:

1. I hadn't had two kids

2. I was about 10 lbs lighter, and

3. I didn't have a chest cold.

Needless to say, I am out of shape, and had a much harder time climbing all the stairs than my more in shape, marathon running, athletic friends. But, I survived, squeezed through the skinny gap...

...and made it all the way to the top.

Me, Janelle, Sarah, Erin, Waveney, and Amber

The way down was much easier. We drove a few miles over and did another (flatter) hike. It was very beautiful, too, and this time my balancing skills were put to the test as we had to cross a creek many times. My shoes were very muddy, but only a little bit wet. We hiked out to Danielle Boone's hut, which was in a cool cave-ish area, but happened to be only a few rotten boards laying on the ground. It was still a great hike, and I was able to see a new side to some of my friends. (ha ha!)

After hiking, we went back to the cabin for a very good lunch, soaked up a few more bacteria in the hot tub, and packed up. We bid farewell to Lover's Landing and headed home. Thanks to all my friends, who made this such a fun time! I look forward to our future Girls' Outings!